2018 Tour de France Pyrenees to Paris The ultimate VIP experience, this tour showcases the beautiful region of the Pyrenees and culminates in a party extravaganza on the Champs-Élysées in our private suite overlooking the course. Now more pro than ever you will be treated like a pro all while catching the exciting finals stages of 2018 edition of Le Tour de France. Ride at your own pace with peace of mind knowing you are supported at every pedal stroke. Our Tour de France Pyrenees to Paris holiday has been carefully designed to take in several stages of the race including the final stage around Paris, with other days spent taking in many of our favourite back-roads, classic climbs and quintessential French villages plus exploring the beautiful cities of Toulouse & Paris. We will discover the ultimate climbs in the Pyrenees including the Col du Aspin, Luz Ardiden, Hautacam and Tourmalet All the while enjoying being a part of the Tour action as it snakes it s way through and over some of the most stunning backdrops of France, the Pyrenean mountains. For those who are not riding on this tour you will be offered a smorgasbord of sightseeing activities as well as getting to see places off the tourist track and naturally getting up closer than ever to the pros. A LUCKY GUEST WILL SPEND A DAY IN A PRO TEAM CAR ON THE RACE ROUTE DURING THE STAGE for the ULTIMATE Tour de France Experience And all return guests receive FREE BIKE HIRE as part of our We re Back campaign for 2018 DATES: PRICE: GROUP SIZE: START: FINISH: CONTACT: 23 30 July 2018 (8 days / 7 nights) $5,590 AUD Limited to only 14 guests & 4 professional staff Toulouse (Train station or International Airport) Paris (Airport Shuttle) info@procyclingtours.com
DAY$1$$$$$$$ WELCOME$TO$ LE$TOUR $ $$$$$$$$$ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$23$JULY$ We will collect you from Toulouse Blagnac International Airport or Toulouse train station and take you to our 4 star hotel conveniently located on the edge of the old town. Once checked in, we will be available to help set up your bike or introduce you to your hire bike. Depending on how you feel, we will go for a ride along the canal and stretch out our legs and make sure your bike is in perfect working order. The bike path along the picturesque canal takes us as far as we like, a great way to get to know your fellow guests and the procyclingtours team. Toulouse is a vibrant city, full of wonderful architecture, fine restaurants, open squares and pedestrian only streets where you can shop to your hearts content. Tonight we will enjoy getting to know our fellow cycling enthusiasts, over a wonderful welcome dinner at a superb local restaurant. STAY 2.5 hours / 50km / flat Toulouse - 4* star hotel
$DAY$2$ $ CARCASSONNE$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$24$JULY Today we head to one of the worlds most famous medieval cities. Used as the backdrop of numerous movies, Carcassonne is truly a sight to behold. Following yesterdays rest day, the peloton will be itching to head to the mountains and today we witness first hand the excitement of Le Tour. After our delicious buffet breakfast, we make our way to Carcassonne to watch the race start. This is a great opportunity for us to get up close to the teams and especially the riders. Allan (Alby) Davis, will be on hand to introduce you to many of the team managers and the riders. Being part of a stage start in the Tour de France is a very memorable event. Once the gun goes off, we head on our own beautiful ride through the region and take in some of the most quintessential French villages and meet some of the locals along the way. Tonight we enjoy another fantastic meal together, chatting about who we met and what the next few days in the mountains have in store for the pros and us. 70km /undulating/ 3.5 hours Toulouse - 4* star hotel
$$DAY$3$ $ WELCOME$TO$THE$PYRENEES$ $ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$25$JULY $ $$$$$$$$$$ $ $ $ $ $ $$$$$$$$ Today will prove an interesting day for the pro peloton, the shortest stage in over 30 years. At only 65 km in distance it will certainly make up for it in it s climbing. This stage is set to be a dynamite stage, with a new finish for the tour on top of a climb of 16 kilometres at an average gradient of over 8% and an altitude of 2,215 m, the Col de Portet has all the assets to become a new Tourmalet.and that s AFTER already going up two other climbs, the Montée de Peyragudes and the Col de Val Louron-Azet. We will enjoy a fabulous ride ourselves, through the foothill of the stunning Pyrenees mountains then onto our first major climb, the Col du Aspin, which the pro peloton will tackle in two days time. We will be sure to watch the exciting stage finish live in a well-chosen bar or relaxing in our hotel. Once settled into our newly refurbished 4 star hotel in Lourdes, we will enjoy another well earned delicious three course meal. 75km / 1800mt elevation Lourdes 4* star hotel with river views
$$$DAY$4$$ TOURMALET$&$LUZ$ARDIDEN$$ $ $ $ $26$JULY$$$$ $ $$$$$$$$$$ $ Today is the day many of you would have been waiting for to conquer the mighty Col du Tourmalet. Having featured in the Tour de France more than any other col (some 80 plus times and again tomorrow) the Tourmalet is considered one of the more challenging UCI climbs in Europe. Not so much due to it s gradient, but more so being due to its consistency, which seems to zap the legs over it s 18km length up to an elevation of 2115m. Save something for the last kilometre We will have the option to leave by bike this morning, taking in the bike path to Argeles, presenting the perfect warm up before gradually climbing up the gorge to the base of the Tourmalet at Luz-Saint- Sauveur. Once at the summit of the Tourmalet, it s an exhilarating descent back to Luz Saint Sauveur and often the best way to truly appreciate what you have achieved is descending the way you came up. After a great lunch stop in this charming town, for those that want more climbing today, Luz Ardiden awaits with it s uncanny resemblance to Alpe d Huez, the climb last featured in the 2011 TDF. And with 15km @ 7.5km, this is a true climb on it s own Those not riding today have the option to be taken to the ski village of La Mongie, situated on the slopes of the Tourmalet to ride the famous Pic du Midi cable car. Considered the finest view of the entire Pyrenees, if the sun is shining today, you will be simply left awe-struck. Today you can ride as much as or little as you like, for those up for the double, you ll be sure to enjoy your sleep tonight 3 6 hours / 40 100km / mountains Lourdes 4* star hotel with river views
$$$DAY$5$$ LOURDES$START$AND$HAUTACAM$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$27$JULY $ $ $ There are no miracles in cycling but the start in Lourdes represents a last opportunity to change the general classification by pushing hard on the pedals in a direct confrontation. It ll be in the frightening Aspin-Tourmalet- Bordères-Soulor-Aubisque sequence that the destiny of the Yellow Jersey could still be played. After getting up close and meeting some of our cycling hero s of the pro peloton, and watch them prepare for today grueling ride, we have the opportunity to ride one of the classic climbs in the Pyrenees, the Col du Hautacam and a beautiful loop from Lourdes. We also sneak in a couple extra Cols but with all the kms in your legs you probably wont even notice them. Those not riding today will love being taken to the summit of the Col du Hautacam or spend the day in Lourdes experiencing a town like no other. With many museums, historic sights and wonderful walking tracks there is plenty to keep you occupied. Tonight we will enjoy a dinner at one of the finest restaurants in the town. 60km / 1600mt elevation Lourdes 4* star hotel with river views
$$$DAY$6$$ TGV$&$COUNTRY$VIEWS$TO$PARIS$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$28$JULY After a relaxing start to the morning, we will leave by fast train TGV to Paris. With only your day bag required, travel in First Class comfort while we transport your luggage and bikes by vans to Paris. It s an extremely scenic trip, through the Dordogne region, sunflower fields a plenty and chateaux and farmhouses line the route. Have your Garmin handy to record the speeds over 300km Upon arrival into Paris we take a short stroll to our luxurious 4 star hotel located as short distance from the Opera and the Louvre. Once checked in you have the opportunity to explore some or the wonderful sights that make Paris famous. Perhaps a lazy summer evening sitting in the Tuileries Garden or watch the world go by in a street side bistro in St Germain. We are happy to provide you with endless suggestions. The Parisian city bikes are also a fantastic way to explore the city, with dedicated bike lanes throughout Paris; you ll feel far safer than riding the city streets back home. We d be delighted to help arrange one for you. This evening, explore Paris by night given our perfect inner city location, a walk along the seine which is lit up is a must see when in Paris. Let us know early enough and we can even book you in for dinner a one of the many Michelin Starred restaurants. Transfer to Paris - rest day Paris Lux 4* star hotel 500mt from the Louvre
$$$DAY$7$$ PRIVATE$VIP$TOUR$FINALE$ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$29$JULY $ $ The moment as finally arrived, the Grande Finalé of the Tour de France on the Champs-Élysées. This morning will be an early start on our bikes, riding the quiet streets of Paris on a Sunday morning but not just any morning.tour morning. What better way to soak up the vibe and essence of the Tour de France than ride on the cobbles of the famous Champs-Élysées We ll ride up and down the famous strip, stop for a group photo by the Arc de Triomphe, even a sprint or two on the cobbles, you wont be able to hold back It has to be one of the best moments on a bicycle and we re delighted to share this experience with you. Even the non-riders of the group will have a chance to grab a Paris Town Bike this morning and join in the fun A dash around the Eiffel Tower, a spin around the Louvre, and a dart around Notre-Dame de Paris. To end your procyclingtours holiday, we are thrilled to once again be including our SPECIAL INTIMATE VIP FINALE PARTY. This is the ultimate place to be to watch the last stage of the Tour. It includes the afternoon in our private five star suite overlooking the Champs-Élysées where you will be enjoy watching the peloton ride past some 15 times. We will pamper you with superb food and wine, beer and of course champagne throughout the day. With two private flat screen televisions, private bathroom facilities and fantastic views there is no other way to experience the finale of the 2018 Tour de France. Alby will also be on hand to take you trackside after the race to meet some of the riders. A limited number of additional guests can be accommodated at a cost of $500 aud per person. Tonight the evening is yours to continue the party however you choose. 10 kms / flat ride around Paris Paris Lux 4* star hotel 500m from the Louvre
$$$DAY$8$$ AU$REVOIR$$$ $$$$$$$ $ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$30$JULY $ $ $ Today we bid you farewell to what has been an amazing holiday and finale to this edition of the Tour de France. We will provide any assistance disassembling and packing your bike or remove your pedals, garmin etc from your hire bike. Most of our guests opt to stay on in Paris a little longer, and we can certainly arrange for you to stay on at the hotel if you wish. Those leaving today, we will arrange for you to take the most convenient shuttle to the airport. We thank you for entrusting us in taking you on a journey through the stunning Pyrenees and Paris. We really do hope to see you again very soon. Happy travels. Cheers your hosts Michelle Heuss owner procyclingtours Allan Alby Davis owner Allan Davis Cycling
$ TOUR$HIELIGHTS$AND$KEY$INCLUSIONS Slumber in splendid accommodation and sample mouth-watering cuisine through some of France s most scenic mountain locations Offering money cant buy extras such as viewing inside a Pro Tour bus, ride in a Pro Team Car * and meet the riders and managers unprecedented access. Pro Tour Team Vehicle Ride on one day Our EXCLUSIVE VIP Tour Finale private function food and beverages in our private penthouse with private facilities and flat screen television. (Valued at $500 aud per person) All airport and hotel transfers Delicious and filling buffet breakfast on ALL mornings 5 delicious dinners including selected beverages The OWNER of procyclingtours creates and personally hosts your holiday experience. Up to 4 staff and a max of 14 guests to ensure you receive the pro treatment Modern, fully equipped, air-conditioned 9 seater vans with WI-FI and more On-road PERSONAL coaching and advice with Allan Davis, former PRO TOUR rider. You receive the PRO treatment. Our professional Soignier support includes transfer of luggage, expert handling of your bike but doesn't stop at handing you your room keys we are here for any request you have We provide you with many precious photo memories of your holiday Printed ride maps and detailed itinerary Picnic lunches on selected days, where café lunch stops are not possible Free procyclingtours or Allan Davis Cycling jersey and option to purchase extra clothing at reduced rates All on road supplements and spare tubes Flexible ride options each day - ride as much or as little as you like FREE BIKE HIRE TO ALL PAST PROCYCLINGTOURS.COM GUESTS AS PART OF OUR WELCOME BACK CAMPAIGN. New guests can hire at a flat rate $495 Option to buy the bike at a discounted rate. Plus much more view our what s included page on our website. * one lucky guest will ride in a team car for a stage chosen at random at welcome dinner
HOW$TO$FINALISE$YOUR$BOOKING To guarantee your place on this procyclingtours holiday, simply register online through the tour page and arrange your deposit of $1,000. Balance of payment is due 3 months prior to tour start. For any questions please feel free to email us at info@procyclingtours.com and remember to visit our FAQs page for all trip inclusions, bike hire details etc. For full terms & conditions, refer to our website at procyclingtours.com Bike Hire rates remain unchanged since 2014 $495 (with an option to purchase Theft & Damage Insurance for only $100) Single Supplement $1,500 for all past guests BH or Orbea (or similar), includes compact or triple chain ring, ultegra, helmet, water bottle, saddlebag with multi-tool, spare tube, leavers. As a unique procyclingtours benefit, we offer Theft and Damage Insurance for complete piece of mind. Travelling alone and do not want to share a room? We provide you with the option to go it alone. Just let us know.